Tokenizing Digital Assets with Restrictions on a Blockchain

ABSTRACT

An electronic device receives, from a user, a restriction that restricts how sound of a digital asset plays to non-owners of the digital asset that is tokenized as a non-fungible token (NFT). One or more electronic devices tokenize the digital asset as the NFT on a blockchain that stores the restriction how the sound of the digital asset plays to the non-owners of the NFT.

BACKGROUND

Tokens and cryptography provide important ways to protect digitalassets. Various technical challenges, however, have arisen with regardto how this technology protects digital assets and how available thistechnology is to lay people.

Example embodiments offer solutions to some of these challenges andassist in providing technological advancements in methods and apparatususing tokens and cryptography.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a method to tokenize a digital asset with one or morerestrictions in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a table that provides examples of restrictions for differenttypes of digital assets that are tokenized on a blockchain with one ormore restrictions in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIGS. 3A-3D show an electronic device with a display displaying a userinterface that enables an owner of a digital asset or token to establishone or more restrictions for a tokenized digital asset in accordancewith an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a method to play and/or view a tokenized digital asset inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an automated process that spatializes adigital asset in response to a command in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an automated process that tokenizes adigital asset and distributes and/or sells the tokenized digital assetat an electronic marketplace in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a method to play spatial audio with sound localizationinformation (SLI) stored on the blockchain and/or smart contracts inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 8A shows an electronic device with a display that displays atokenized digital asset in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 8B shows an electronic device with a display that displays amessage stating a tokenized digital asset includes a restriction inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 9A shows an electronic device with a display displaying a digitalasset being captured with a camera and options to spatialize and/ortokenize the digital asset in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 9B shows an electronic device with a display displaying picturesand videos and options to spatialize and/or tokenize the pictures and/orvideos in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows information in one or more layers of a blockchain inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an electronic device in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 12 is an electronic or computer system in accordance with anexample embodiment.

SUMMARY

Example embodiments include methods and apparatus that tokenize digitalassets with one or more restrictions. The restrictions are stored on theblockchain and restrict how sound and/or video plays to non-owners ofthe token and/or how images appear or are displayed to non-owners of thetoken.

Example embodiments also include methods and apparatus that expeditespatializing digital assets for users, tokenizing digital assets forusers, and distributing the digital assets for sale at an electronicmarketplace.

Other example embodiments are discussed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

If left unprotected, digital assets can be fraudulently or illegallyreproduced. For example, once an asset such as a picture, text, a video,film/movie, song, game, software application, broadcast or streamingevent, music, artwork, or a voice recording is in digital format, theasset can be copied and then traded or sold without consent of theowner.

Digital assets can be protected if they are tokenized on a blockchain.One problem, however, is that a creator of a digital asset cannot easilytokenize it and create or mint tokens to a blockchain from the digitalasset. Tokenizing a digital asset is technically challenging andinvolves many steps that require knowledge of cryptocurrencies,blockchains, wallets, and tokens. An average person or layperson doesnot have this knowledge and skill.

Consider an example in which an average person creates a digital asset,such as making a voice recording, taking a picture, recording music,capturing a video, sending a written message (e.g., a Tweet or text),etc. Although the person can create this digital asset, he or she cannotreadily create a token or cryptocurrency for this digital asset sincecreating such a crypto token or cryptocurrency requires knowledge andexpertise in this technical field.

An example embodiment solves this problem and enables an average personor layperson to readily create a token on a blockchain from a digitalasset without having an expertise or extensive knowledge incryptocurrencies, blockchains, wallets, tokens, and other facets of thistechnical field. The person is not required to be a programmer orexperienced in creating tokens or cryptocurrencies. Instead, an exampleembodiment provides a simplified graphical user interface (GUI) or UIthat enables a layperson to readily create, store, sell, trade, andmarket tokens and thus provides an avenue to help people easily secure,market, and monetize their digital assets.

Another problem is that each person with access to a token has equalrights to view or use the token regardless of whether the person is anowner of the token. Consider an example in which an artist creates apicture, tokenizes the picture, and offers the picture for sale as atoken, such as a non-fungible token (NFT). Other people can access thetoken and view the picture without making a payment to the owner of thetoken. Granted, these other people are not owners of the token and wouldnot appear on the blockchain, but nonetheless they can view and enjoythe picture for free.

An example embodiment solves this problem by restricting or limitingaccess to one or more rights, privileges, and/or properties of thetoken. An owner of the token has full access to all rights, privileges,and/or properties of the token, but non-owners of the token have alimited access. This prevents people from enjoying all attributes of thetoken unless they become an owner of the token.

Consider an example in which a studio tokenizes a movie or film intothousands of tokens and offers these tokens for sale. Purchasers orowners of these token can view the film in its entirety, but non-ownersof the token can only view a portion of the film, trailers of the film,or none of the film.

Another problem is that a creator of a digital asset cannot easilyspatialize the digital asset. Spatializing a digital asset istechnically challenging and involves many steps that require knowledgeof one or more of spatial audio, 3D animation, AR, and VR. An averageperson or layperson does not have this knowledge and skill.

An example embodiment solves this problem by spatializing a digitalasset for the user. The user issues a command to an electronic device tospatialize the digital asset, and the electronic device automaticallyspatializes the digital asset in response to the command. The user isnot required to have extensive knowledge or technical knowledge aboutspatialization in order to spatialize a digital asset.

As another problem, each person has unique physical characteristics thatenable the person to localize binaural sound to its point of origin. Ifsound for the digital asset is not processed with the correct soundlocalization information (SLI), then the listener will be unable tolocalize the source of the sound to the correct location.

An example embodiment solves this problem by storing sound localizationinformation in the blockchain and/or one or more smart contracts. Forexample, this information includes head-related transfer functions(HRTFs) for processing the sound. These HRTFs can be generic orindividualized or particular to the listener, such as correlated to oneor more physical attributes of the listener.

Example embodiments discuss solutions to these and other problems inmore detail below.

FIG. 1 is a method to tokenize a digital asset with one or morerestrictions in accordance with an example embodiment.

Block 100 states determine the digital asset.

A user, an electronic device, hardware, and/or software identifies,creates, uploads, downloads, retrieves, captures, selects, or providesthe digital asset.

For example, a person uses one or more electronic devices to create, tocapture, or to record a photograph, an image, a voice, a video, music,or other type of digital asset. For example, a software program (e.g., auser agent) selects the digital asset based on previous or historicalselections by a user. For example, one or more sensors or cameras in anelectronic device capture an activity and/or location of a user, and asoftware program selects the digital asset based on the activity and/orlocation of the user. As another example, a wearable electronic deviceworn on a head of a user displays, creates, and/or captures an augmentedreality (AR) image or AR video, a virtual reality (VR) image or VRvideo, a hologram, or other virtual image. As another example, anartificial intelligence (AI) program creates original art in a digitalformat. As another example, an electronic device scans, captures, and/orrecords written text, such as a Tweet, Short Message Service (SMS),Multimedia Message Service (MMS), news or sports article, quote,headline, etc. As another example, one or more cameras in wearableelectronic glasses (e.g., AR glasses) capture an image and/or recordaudio. As another example, a person creates two-dimensional (2D) artworkon a tablet computer or creates three-dimensional (3D) artwork or modelsin AR or VR. As yet another example, a person takes a selfie orself-portrait and/or records a short video (e.g., sixty seconds orless). As yet another example, a studio or company creates a podcast, aradio show, a television show, a YouTube show, a streaming service, avideo, a film, a music video, a concert, a performance, or a broadcast.As yet another example, a sports organization creates, records, orreleases video or footage of a sporting event, such as previous momentin sports, a live event, or a streaming event. As yet another example, acompany creates a contract, a software application, or a game, such asan AR or VR game. As yet another example, a user issues a verbal commandor a gesture command to an electronic device that captures and/orcreates a digital asset in response to this command. As yet anotherexample, an electronic device selects the digital asset in an activewindow or current view of the user. As another example, the digitalasset is a video with sound. Examples of the video or a video with soundinclude, but are not limited to, video captured with a smartphone, videocaptured with a WED or a HMD, a moving AR image that plays or executesin a game or application, a moving VR image that plays or executes in agame or application, a hologram that moves, and a virtual image thatmoves.

Block 110 states determine the restriction for the digital asset.

A user, an electronic device, hardware, and/or software identifies,creates, uploads, downloads, retrieves, captures, selects, or providesthe restriction for the digital asset. For example, a graphical userinterface (GUI) or user interface (UI) displays one or more restrictionsthat a user selects. As another example, a software programautomatically selects one or more restrictions for the digital asset onbehalf of the user.

For example, a software program (e.g., a user agent) selects therestriction based on previous or historical selections by a user. Forexample, one or more sensors or cameras in an electronic device capturean activity and/or location of a user, and a software program selectsthe restriction based on the activity and/or location of the user. Forexample, based on a file type or content in a digital asset, anelectronic device selects a restriction for the digital asset. Asanother example, an artificial intelligent (AI) program selects orrecommends the restriction on behalf of the user. As another example, anelectronic device selects the restriction based on the hardware used tocapture the digital asset (e.g., selecting a video-based restrictionwhen a camera captures the digital asset or selecting an audio-basedrestriction when one or more microphones capture the digital asset). Asanother example, an electronic device selects the restriction based onthe application used to create the digital asset (e.g., selecting arestriction to pixelate the digital asset that was created in a drawingprogram). As yet another example, a user issues a verbal command orgesture command to an electronic device that generates the restrictionin response to this command (e.g., a verbal command provides a type ofrestriction). As yet another example, the electronic device selects adefault restriction (e.g., select a sound restriction if the digitalasset includes sound or select a video restriction if the digital assethas a file extension identifying the asset as being a video).

Block 120 states tokenize the digital asset with the restriction.

Different properties, rights, features, privileges, and/or permissionsof the token can be restricted. These restrictions can differ dependingon the type of token, the type of asset being protected via the token,and/or preferences of the owner of the token.

Consider an example in which an artist creates a picture. An electronicdevice and/or software program tokenizes the picture on behalf of theuser and offers the picture for sale as a token. An example embodimentrestricts access to one or more features of the tokenized picture unlessa person buys the token. For example, non-owners of the token cannotview a full or entire image of the picture. As another example,non-owners cannot view a high-resolution image of the picture. After thenon-owner purchases or acquires rights to the token, he or she willbecome an owner and thus have full access privileges to the token. Thisencourages people to acquire ownership in a token as they cannot fullyenjoy or utilize a digital asset without becoming an owner of the asset.

Block 130 states store the restriction for the digital asset on theblockchain and/or smart contract.

An example embodiment stores the one or more restrictions for thedigital asset on the blockchain and/or one or more smart contracts forthe token created for the digital asset.

In an example embodiment, the restrictions are translated intoexecutable code or programming code of a smart contract that includesconditional statements that describe the restrictions governing futuretransactions and/or how the digital asset plays or is displayed. Thecode for the restrictions is stored in the blockchain network andreplicated among the participants or nodes in the blockchain across adistributed ledger. When a term of the smart contract (e.g., ownership,restriction, etc.) is verified among the participants, the transactionexecutes.

For example, entries into the ledger include restrictions as computercode that execute the terms and the conditions of the smart contract.These terms and conditions can be partially or fully self-executing codeand/or self-enforcing code, such as code to execute the one or morerestrictions associated with the token and digital asset.

FIG. 2 is a table 200 that provides examples of restrictions fordifferent types of digital assets that are tokenized on a blockchainwith one or more restrictions in accordance with an example embodiment.

Table 200 includes column 210 (type of digital asset and/or token) andcolumn 220 (restriction on non-owner of the digital asset and/or token).Column 210 includes three types of digital assets and/or tokens: Musicand/or Sound, Video, and Digital Image. Column 220 includes examplerestrictions for the corresponding digital assets and/or tokens.

The restrictions for the music and/or sound include playing only aportion of the music and/or sound, playing a low-quality version of themusic and/or sound, playing the music/sound a limited number of times,playing the music and/or sound for a limited amount of time, and playingthe music and/or sound as mono or stereo sound with no spatial audio.

The restrictions for the video include playing only a portion of thevideo, playing a low-quality version of the video, playing the video alimited number of times, playing the video for a limited amount of time,playing the video with no music or no sound, and restricting orprohibiting playing of the video in augmented reality (AR), virtualreality (VR), mixed reality (MR), and/or Extended Reality (XR).

The restrictions for the digital image include displaying only a portionof the digital image, displaying a low-resolution version of the digitalimage, displaying the digital image for a limited amount of time,displaying the digital image a limited number of times, playing thedigital image with no sound or limited sound, and restricting orprohibiting viewing of the digital image in AR, VR, MR, and/or XR.

In an example embodiment, an electronic device displays and/or providesone or more of these restrictions via a user interface to the user. Theuser interacts with the electronic device and/or user interface toselect, to add and/or to delete one or more of these restrictions to thetokenized digital asset.

Consider an example restriction in which an owner can view a tokenizedvideo while non-owners cannot view the video. For example, a personrecords a short video (e.g., sixty seconds or less) and tokenizes thevideo per an example embodiment with multiple tokens. The video of thetoken plays as a meme, animation, or short clip. This person is theowner of video and has unrestricted access to play the video. Otherpeople who purchase a token are also owners and can play the videowithout restriction. Information about the owner and/or the one or morerestrictions are recorded on the blockchain of the token. When the ownerattempts to play the video, his or her identity is verified as appearingon the blockchain. Identification (ID) or verification of the owner caninclude one or more of biometric identification (e.g., fingerprint ID,face ID, voice ID, etc.), username and password, cookies, internetprotocol (IP) address or media access control (MAC) address, securitykey, private key, encryption key, etc. One or more of this informationalong with the restrictions are stored on the blockchain and used in theidentification and/or verification process of the owner. When anon-owner attempts to view the video, his or her identity will not be onthe blockchain, and hence the non-owner will be unable to view the videoof the token.

Consider an example of a tokenized digital asset (e.g., an NFT) on theblockchain that stores the one or more restrictions. The digital assetis a video that plays sound, and the restriction restricts hownon-owners of the NFT hear the sound and/or view the video. As oneexample, the restriction restricts playing the video with sound to thenon-owners of the NFT for a limited amount of time that is less thantime to play a full version of the video with sound. For instance, thevideo plays for a full duration of sixty seconds, but an electronicdevice only plays a portion of the vide that lasts for a limited timeless than the time to play the full version (e.g., play for 10 seconds,20 seconds, 30 seconds, 40 seconds, or 50 seconds). As another example,the restriction restricts a number of times the non-owners of the NFTare able to view the video with sound (e.g., a display of the electronicdevice limits viewing the video to one time, two times, three times,four times, or a limited number of times). The blockchain and/or smartcontract store these restrictions.

Consider another example restriction in which only members of a certaingroup have full rights or access to a digital asset or token without arestriction provided by the owner or seller of the token. For example,friends, members, or followers of an owner on a social network or socialplatform can view the token without restriction, whereas non-friends,non-members, or non-followers cannot view the token. For instance, inorder to view a token without a restriction, a person must be a followeror friend of the owner of the token on TIK-TOK, FACEBOOK, WHATSAPP,WECHAT, TELEGRAM, LINE, INSTAGRAM, CLUBHOUSE, etc.

Alternatively, a person must use a certain software application,website, or hardware device. For example, in order to play and to view atoken, the person must use an OCULUS QUEST headset.

In an example embodiment, the owner or seller of the token can selectone or more restrictions to place on the token. For example, the owneris an administrator that can restrict or limit access to the digitalasset and/or token. Further, the owner can set one or more restrictionlevels to non-owners with each restriction level having differentrestrictions, such as high restriction, moderate restriction, lowrestriction, and/or unrestricted.

Consider an example embodiment in which one or more of the restrictionsdiscussed herein are set to one or more levels. The owner selects alevel of restriction for the token, and this level of restrictionimposes one or more restrictions or limits on subsequent non-owners toview, to play, to hear, or to otherwise experience the tokenized digitalasset. These restrictions can also be set by the original owner andimposed or enforced on subsequent owners, known as restricted owners.For example, the person that creates and mints the token is the originalowner, whereas subsequent buyers of the token are restricted owners.

An example embodiment thus enables an original owner or creator of atoken to place one or more restrictions on the token that are imposed onnon-owners and/or subsequent owners. The subsequent owners arerestricted owners since ownership is subject to one or more restrictionsplaced on the token by a previous owner, who is the creator or originalowner of the token. The creator of the token can thus restrict orcontrol how the token is reproduced, marketed, sold, bought, viewed,heard, enjoyed, etc.

Consider an example in which an original owner (e.g., an actor) makes avoice recording of a short message (e.g., “Yo, waz-up!”). The originalowner or actor assigns the voice recording to a graphicalrepresentation, such as an emoji, animoji, meme, sticker, hologram, ARimage, VR image, text, link, virtual image, etc. The actor thentokenizes the graphical representation and produces ten thousand tokensfor distribution and sale. When a person (buyer) subsequently buys andactivates the graphical representation of the token, the voice recordingof the actor plays to the person. As such, the buyer is able to hear theoriginal voice of the actor. This voice can externally localize to thelistener with 3D sound, spatial sound, or binaural sound to a moving ARimage or to a moving VR image. When a person (non-buyer) activates thegraphical representation of the token, however, the voice recording ofthe actor plays in mono sound, as opposed to spatial audio. Thenon-buyer is not able to hear the voice of the actor in spatial audiounless the non-buyer purchases the token.

Consider the example in which an artist creates a video and voicerecording that plays for ten seconds and tokenizes the recording astokens that when activated play as an AR or VR virtual image. Thevirtual image or tokens are transmittable and playable over a socialmedia or messaging application (e.g., WHATSAPP, FACEBOOK, a multi-playergame, or a social media application in AR or VR). When creating thetokens, the artist decides to place one or more restrictions on thetokens to all subsequent owners, who are restricted owners. Therestrictions prevent sound of the virtual image from playing when thevirtual image is sent or transmitted from a non-owner of the token.

Consider an example in which an artist mints a talking hologram intoNFTs and places a restriction on the sound. Specifically, the sound ofthe talking hologram will not play to non-owners. Bob buys one of theNFTs from the artist and hence becomes a restricted owner since the NFThas a restriction set by the artist who is the creator of the token. Bobis added to the ledger of the blockchain as an owner. The NFT appears asa talking hologram that plays in Bob's messaging or media application.Bob can watch and send the hologram an unlimited number of times sincehe is a restricted owner and on the record of the blockchain. During anelectronic communication, Bob sends the hologram to his friend Alice,who is neither the creator nor a restricted owner of the NFT. When Aliceclicks on or otherwise activates the hologram, she sees and hears thetalking hologram that plays for ten seconds. Alice loves the hologram,and she decides to send or to forward it to her friend James through amedia or messaging application. When James clicks on or otherwiseactivates the hologram, the hologram moves for ten seconds but no soundplays. James sends Alice a message asking why the hologram had no sound.Alice realizes that in order to send the hologram with the sound, shemust purchase one of the NFTs and become a restricted owner listed onthe blockchain. Alice purchases one of the NFTs, and then re-sends thehologram to James via the media or messaging application. When Jamesclicks on or activates the hologram, he sees and hears the talkinghologram.

In an example embodiment, the restriction forms part of or is includedin the blockchain of the digital asset. For example, the restriction iscoded into or with the digital asset and/or forms part of the blockchainledger in one or more layers of the blockchain.

Tokens include ownership details to identify owners for transfer betweentoken holders. The token can also include one or more permission fieldsor settings that set forth the restrictions associated with the digitalasset and token. An owner, seller, or creator of the digital asset andtoken can establish, set, add, delete, or change permissions that relateto one or more restrictions for the digital asset and token. Thesepermissions and rights to change them are stored in the blockchainand/or smart contract.

FIGS. 3A-3D show an electronic device 300 with a display 310 displayinga user interface 320 that enables an owner of a digital asset or tokento establish one or more restrictions for a tokenized digital asset inaccordance with an example embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the user interface 320 includes a view permissionfield or setting 330A that enables the user to set one or morepermissions with regard to rights of others to view the tokenizeddigital asset. By way of example, the view permission field 330Aincludes four permissions 340A: Anyone (Default), Only Token Buyer,Token Buyer and OpenSea Viewers, and More Options. Under Anyone (whichis set to default), any person or user can view the tokenized digitalasset without a restriction concerning view. When Only Token Buyer isselected, then only a buyer of the tokenized digital asset can view thetokenized digital asset without a restriction concerning view. Otherusers who are not a buyer of the token will be unable to view thetokenized digital asset without a restriction. When Token Buyer andOpenSea Viewers is selected, then buyers of the token and users atOpenSea can view the tokenized digital asset without a restrictionconcerning view. Other users will be unable to view the tokenizeddigital asset without a restriction. Thus, in order to view the tokenwithout a restriction, the user would have to either purchase the tokenor navigate to the OpenSea website and view the token there. When MoreOptions is selected, the user interface 320 displays more restrictionsthat a user can select for the tokenized digital asset. Examples ofthese restrictions are in FIG. 2 and discussed herein.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the user interface 320 includes an audio permissionfield or setting 330B that enables the user to set one or morepermissions with regard to rights of others to hear sound of thetokenized digital asset. By way of example, the view permission field330B includes four permissions 340B: Anyone (Default), Only Token Buyer,Token Buyer and OpenSea Viewers, and More Options. Under Anyone (whichis set to default), any person or user can listen to sound of thetokenized digital asset without a restriction concerning sound or audio.When Only Token Buyer is selected, then only a buyer of the tokenizeddigital asset can listen to sound of the tokenized digital asset withouta restriction concerning audio. Other users who are not a buyer of thetoken will be unable to listen to sound of the tokenized digital assetwithout a restriction. When Token Buyer and OpenSea Viewers is selected,then buyers of the token and users at OpenSea can listen to sound of thetokenized digital asset without a restriction concerning audio. Otherusers will be unable to listen to sound of the tokenized digital assetwithout a restriction. Thus, in order to listen to sound of the tokenwithout a restriction, the user would have to either purchase the tokenor navigate to the OpenSea website and listen to the token there. WhenMore Options is selected, the user interface 320 displays morerestrictions that a user can select for the tokenized digital asset.Examples of these restrictions are in FIG. 2 and discussed herein.

As shown in FIG. 3C, the user interface 320 includes a view restriction330C that enables the user to set one or more restrictions with regardto rights of others to view the tokenized digital asset. By way ofexample, the view restriction 330C includes four restrictions 340C: PlayOnly Portion of Video, Play Video without Sound, Play Video withWatermarks, and More Options. Under Play Only Portion of Video,non-owners are unable to view a full or complete version of the video.Instead, an electronic device plays a portion or incomplete version ofthe video. Under Play Video without Sound, the video plays but does notinclude sound. Sound for the video does not play even though the videohas sound. Under Play Video with Watermarks, the video plays but one ormore watermarks appear on the display. To view the video playing withoutwatermarks, the viewer should purchase the tokenized digital asset.Under More Options, the user interface 320 displays more restrictionsthat a user can select for the tokenized digital asset. Examples ofthese restrictions are in FIG. 2 and discussed herein.

As shown in FIG. 3D, the user interface 320 includes an audiorestriction 330D that enables the user to set one or more restrictionswith regard to rights of others to hear sound of the tokenized digitalasset. By way of example, the audio restriction 330D includes fourrestrictions 340D: Play Only Portion of Sound, Play Low-Quality Sound,Play Sound with Advertisements, and More Options. Under Play OnlyPortion of Sound, non-owners are unable to hear or listen to a full orcomplete version of the sound. Instead, an electronic device plays aportion or incomplete version of the audio. Under Play Low-QualitySound, the sound plays with a lower quality, such as playing in monosound instead of stereo sound or spatial audio. Under Play Sound withAdvertisements, the sound plays but one or more advertisements interruptplaying of the sound. To play the sound without advertisements, thelistener should purchase the tokenized digital asset. Under MoreOptions, the user interface 320 displays more restrictions that a usercan select for the tokenized digital asset. Examples of theserestrictions are in FIG. 2 and discussed herein.

Consider an example in which the user interface includes a Share fieldthat determines who can view and/or play the digital asset when thedigital asset is shared with non-buyers of the token. For example, whena person belongs to one of the identified groups in the Share field,video and/or audio permissions automatically grant to this personwhether the person is or is not a buyer of the token.

Consider an example in which an electronic marketplace, such as OpenSeaor Rarible, hosts and offers for sale a digital asset as a token, suchas an NFT. When people navigate to the website and view the digitalasset, they see a restricted version of this digital asset. For example,this restricted version is a pixelated copy or low-resolution copy ofthe original high-resolution digital asset that will be provided whenthe token for this digital asset is purchased. As another example, therestricted version shows or plays a portion of the digital asset, suchas playing a portion of a video and not the entire video or displaying aportion of an image and not the entire image. As another example, therestricted version does not play sound of the video or plays some, butnot all, the sound of the video. As another example, the restrictedversion is a reduced-size version of the digital art, such as being athumbnail, preview image, or sketch of the unrestricted version of thedigital asset.

FIG. 4 is a method to play and/or view a tokenized digital asset inaccordance with an example embodiment.

Block 400 states receive request to play and/or view a tokenized digitalasset (DA).

For example, an electronic device receives a request to play or to viewa tokenized digital asset. For instance, a user navigates to anelectronic marketplace to view a tokenized digital asset. As anotherexample, a user interacts with an electronic device or user interfaceand requests to play, to view, and/or to hear a tokenized digital asset.As another example, an electronic device, a user agent, or a softwareapplication or game makes a request to play, to display, or to transmitthe tokenized digital asset.

Block 410 makes a determination as to whether the tokenized digitalasset has one or more restrictions.

For example, the restriction is stored with or forms part of thetokenized digital asset, blockchain, and/or smart contract. Forinstance, the restriction is an executable instruction or code thatactivates or executes when the request to play and/or view the tokenizeddigital asset occurs. As another example, the restriction forms part ofor is defined in a parameter, field, or setting of the tokenized digitalasset. As another example, the restriction was provided from the ownerof the token to an electronic marketplace as a condition for the sale ofthe tokenized digital asset at the website of the electronicmarketplace. As another example, an electronic marketplace flags orgroups restricted tokenized digital assets together in one group andnon-restricted or unrestricted tokenized digital asset in another group.

If the answer to the determination in block 410 is “no” then flowproceeds to block 420 that states play and/or view the tokenized digitalasset.

The request to play and/or view the tokenized digital asset grants whenno restriction applies. For example, a user clicks on a tokenizeddigital asset that is a game or video, and the game or video plays tothe user without a restriction. As another example, the tokenizeddigital asset is a 3D AR image that the user can view and navigatearound without a restriction. As another example, the tokenized digitalasset is a video with spatial audio that plays without a restriction.

If the answer to the determination in block 410 is “yes” then flowproceeds to block 430 that makes a determination as to whether therequestor has rights to play and/or view the tokenized digital asset. Ifthe answer to this determination is “yes” then flow proceeds to block420. If the answer to this determination is “no” then flow proceeds toblock 440 that states play and/or view the tokenized digital asset (DA)with the restriction.

The requestor is able to play and/or view the tokenized digital assetwithout a restriction if the requestor has rights or permission to doso. For example, the requestor is a creator, an owner, or a seller ofthe tokenized digital asset. As another example, the requestor is amember of a group that has rights to play and/or view the tokenizeddigital asset without a restriction. Example embodiments discuss otherexample restrictions herein.

Block 450 states notify the requestor of the restriction.

An electronic device notifies the requestor of the restriction invarious ways, such as displaying the restriction, displaying a notice orwarning that the tokenized digital asset is subject to a restriction,playing an audio warning or audio message informing the user of therestriction, playing a video warning informing the user of therestriction, displaying a symbol that alerts the user of therestriction, sounding an alert, displaying words, text, graphics, orother indicia on or near the tokenized digital asset, etc.

Consider an example in which an electronic device receives a tokenizeddigital asset over a network or retrieves the tokenized digital assetfrom memory, storage, or a database. The tokenized digital assetincludes a setting or flag marking the digital asset as having arestriction. This setting or flag instructs or causes the electronicdevice to display and/or play the tokenized digital asset with therestriction. The electronic device also displays a notice that informsthe user of the restriction.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an automated process that spatializes adigital asset in response to a command in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

Block 500 states receive a command to spatialize a digital asset.

An electronic device receives a command to spatialize a digital asset.Examples of the command include, but are not limited to, a spoken orverbal command from the user, a gesture command from the user, a commandfrom a portable electronic device (PED), a command from a handheldportable electronic device (HPED), or a command or instruct from a userinterface of the electronic device. For example, the electronic devicereceives the command from another electronic device, such as from aserver, a wearable electronic device with the user, a portableelectronic device (such as a smartphone in a hand of the user), acontroller in a hand of the user, a smartwatch, or another electronicdevice.

Consider an example in which a user clicks on or otherwise activates asingle button, icon, menu selection, or graphical representation thatinstructs the electronic device to initiate steps to spatialize aselected digital asset. As another example, the user selects oridentifies a digital asset and issues a single voice command (e.g.,“spatialize”), and this command instructs one or more electronic devicesto execute a sequence of steps to spatialize the identified digitalasset.

Block 510 states spatialize the digital asset in response to thecommand.

One or more electronic devices execute code to process and to spatializethe digital asset.

Block 520 states save and/or play the spatialized digital asset.

The electronic device saves the spatialized digital asset to memory orto a storage location and plays and/or displays the spatialized digitalasset to the user.

For example, a user issues a verbal command, gesture command, or eyecommand to an electronic device that instructs the electronic device oranother electronic device to spatialize the digital asset. For instance,a camera of wearable electronic device (WED) worn on a head of the usercaptures a video, and a microphone of the WED receives a voice commandfrom the user to spatialize the video. As another example, the userinteracts with a user interface of an electronic device to issue thecommand to spatialize the digital asset. For instance, a user capturesaudio and/or video with electronic or AR glasses and interacts with theuser interface on the display of the smartphone to spatialize the audioand/or video. The smartphone transmits the audio and/or video to aserver that executes code to process and to spatialize the audio and/orvideo.

One way to spatialize a digital asset is to alter mono or stereo soundof the digital asset to be spatial audio, 3D audio, virtual sound, orbinaural sound. One or more processors, such as a digital signalprocessor (DSP), processes or converts the sound into spatial audio.This process includes manipulating audio signals so the audio mimics orreplicates acoustic behavior of sound in the real world.

As one example, ambisonic technology renders 3D sound fields around ahead of the listener by decoding sound to a binaural stereo output.Ambisonics includes multiple orders of various channels (e.g., thirdorder with sixteen channels of audio). When the listener moves his orher head, the decoded output (binaural sound) changes and continues toexternally localize for the spatial effect. By way of example, FB 360Spatial Workstation provides an end-to-end pipeline (including anencoder) that receives an audio file and renders the file to anambisonic file that plays as spatial audio.

Consider an example that directs sound (e.g., 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound)to an audio filter that places the sound into a 3D sphere around thehead of the listener. Electronics (e.g., accelerometers and/orgyroscopes) track movement of the head of the listener and/or electronicdevice with the listener (e.g., a smartphone or WED worn on the head ofthe listener).

Consider an example in which one or more processors or processing unitsconvolve or process sound to provide this sound as 3D sound or binauralsound. For example, a processor (such as a DSP) processes or convolvesthe sound with one or more of head-related transfer functions (HRTFs),head-related impulse responses (HRIRs), room impulse responses (RIRs),room transfer functions (RTFs), binaural room impulse responses (BRIRs),binaural room transfer functions (BRTFS), interaural time delays (ITDs),interaural level differences (ITDs), and a sound impulse response.

Sound includes, but is not limited to, one or more of stereo sound, monosound, binaural sound, computer-generated sound, sound captured withmicrophones, and other sound. Furthermore, sound includes differenttypes including, but not limited to, music, background sound orbackground noise, human voice, computer-generated voice, and othernaturally occurring or computer-generated sound.

When the sound is recorded or generated in mono sound or stereo sound,convolution changes the sound to binaural sound. For example, one ormore microphones record a human person speaking in mono sound or stereosound, and a processor processes this sound with filters to change thesound into binaural sound.

The processor or sound hardware processing or convolving the sound canbe located in one or more electronic devices or computers including, butnot limited to, headphones, smartphones, tablet computers, electronicspeakers, head mounted displays (HMDs), optical head mounted displays(OHMDs), electronic glasses (e.g., glasses that provide augmentedreality (AR)), servers, portable electronic devices (PEDs), handheldportable electronic devices (HPEDs), wearable electronic devices (WEDs),and other portable and non-portable electronic devices. These electronicdevices can also be used to execute example embodiments.

For example, a DSP processes or convolves stereo sound or mono soundwith a process known as binaural synthesis or binaural processing toprovide the sound with sound localization cues (ILD, ITD, and/or HRTFs)so the listener externally localizes the sound as binaural sound or 3Dsound. Other technologies exist as well to provide 3D sound tolisteners.

An example embodiment models the HRTFs with one or more filters, such asa digital filter, a finite impulse response (FIR) filter, an infiniteimpulse response (IIR) filter, etc. Further, an ITD can be modeled as aseparate delay line.

When the binaural sound is not captured (e.g., on a dummy head or humanhead), the captured sound is convolved with sound localizationinformation (SLI).

This information includes, but is not limited to, one or more of HRTFs,HRIRs, BRTFs, BRIRs, ILDs, ITDs, and/or other information thatspatializes sound. By way of example, SLI are retrieved, obtained, orreceived from memory, a database, a file, an electronic device (such asa server, cloud-based storage, the blockchain, one or more smartcontracts, or another electronic device in the computer or P2P system orin communication with a PED providing the sound to the user through oneor more networks), etc. Instead of being retrieved from memory, thisinformation can also be calculated in real-time and/or processed inreal-time to provide spatial audio to the listener or user.

A central processing unit (CPU), processor (such as a DSP), ormicroprocessor processes and/or convolves the sound with the SLI, suchas a pair of head related transfer functions (HRTFs), ITDs, and/or ILDsso that the sound will localize to a zone, area, or sound localizationpoint (SLP). For example, the sound localizes to a specific point (e.g.,localizing to point (r, θ, ϕ)) or a general location or area (e.g.,localizing to far-field location (θ, ϕ) or near-field location (θ, ϕ)).As an example, a lookup table that stores a set of HRTF pairs includes afield/column that specifies the coordinates associated with each pair,and the coordinates indicate the location for the origination of thesound. These coordinates include a distance (r) or near-field orfar-field designation, an azimuth angle (θ), and/or an elevation angle(ϕ).

The complex and unique shape of the human pinnae transforms sound wavesthrough spectral modifications as the sound waves enter the ear. Thesespectral modifications are a function of the position of the source ofsound with respect to the ears along with the physical shape of thepinnae that together cause a unique set of modifications to the soundcalled head related transfer functions or HRTFs. A unique pair of HRTFs(one for the left ear and one for the right ear) can be modeled ormeasured for each position of the source of sound with respect to alistener as the customized HRTFs.

A HRTF is a function of frequency (f) and three spatial variables, byway of example (r, θ, ϕ) in a spherical coordinate system. Here, r isthe radial distance from a recording point where the sound is recordedor a distance from a listening point where the sound is heard to anorigination or generation point of the sound; θ (theta) is the azimuthangle between a forward-facing user at the recording or listening pointand the direction of the origination or generation point of the soundrelative to the user; and ϕ (phi) is the polar angle, elevation, orelevation angle between a forward-facing user at the recording orlistening point and the direction of the origination or generation pointof the sound relative to the user. By way of example, the value of (r)can be a distance (such as a numeric value) from an origin of sound to arecording point (e.g., when the sound is recorded with microphones) or adistance from a SLP to a head of a listener (e.g., when the sound isgenerated with a computer program or otherwise provided to a listener).

When the distance (r) is greater than or equal to about one meter (1 m)as measured from the capture point (e.g., the head of the person) to theorigination point of a sound, the sound attenuates inversely with thedistance. One meter or thereabout defines a practical boundary betweennear-field and far-field distances and corresponding HRTFs. A“near-field” distance is one measured at about one meter or less;whereas a “far-field” distance is one measured at about one meter ormore. Example embodiments are implemented with near-field and far-fielddistances.

The coordinates for external sound localization can be calculated orestimated from an interaural time difference (ITD) of the sound betweentwo ears. ITD is related to the azimuth angle according to, for example,the Woodworth model that provides a frequency independent ray tracingmethodology. The coordinates (r, θ, ϕ) for external sound localizationcan also be calculated from a measurement of an orientation of and adistance to the face of the person when a head related impulse response(HRIR) is captured.

The coordinates can also be calculated or extracted from one or moreHRTF data files, for example by parsing known HRTF file formats, and/orHRTF file information. For example, HRTF data is stored as a set ofangles that are provided in a file or header of a file (or in anotherpredetermined or known location of a file or computer readable medium).The data can include one or more of time domain impulse responses (FIRfilter coefficients), filter feedback coefficients, and an ITD value.This information can also be referred to as “a” and “b” coefficients. Byway of example, these coefficients are stored or ordered according tolowest azimuth to highest azimuth for different elevation angles. TheHRTF file can also include other information, such as the sampling rate,the number of elevation angles, the number of HRTFs stored, ITDs, a listof the elevation and azimuth angles, a unique identification for theHRTF pair, and other information. The data can be arranged according toone or more standard or proprietary file formats, such as AES69, andextracted from the file.

The coordinates and other HRTF information can be calculated orextracted from the HRTF data files. A unique set of HRTF information(including r, θ, ϕ) is determined for each unique HRTF. Thesecoordinates provide the location of the SLP and hence can be used totrack the SLP and know its location.

The coordinates and other HRTF information are also stored in andretrieved from memory, such as storing the information in a look-uptable. The information is quickly retrieved to enable real-timeprocessing and convolving of sound using HRTFs and hence improvescomputer performance of execution of binaural sound.

The SLP represents a location where a person will perceive an origin ofthe sound. For an external localization, the SLP is away from the person(e.g., the SLP is away from but proximate to the person or away from butnot proximate to the person). The SLP can also be located inside thehead of the person (e.g., when the sound is provided as mono sound orstereo sound). Sound can also switch between externally localizing andinternally localizing, such as appearing to move and pass through a headof a listener.

SLI can also be approximated or interpolated based on known data orknown SLI, such as SLI for other coordinate locations. For example, aSLP is desired to localize at coordinate location (2.0 m, 0°, 40°), butHRTFs for the location are not known. HRTFs are known for twoneighboring locations, such as known for (2.0 m, 0°, 35°) and (2.0 m,0°, 45°), and the HRTFs for the desired location of (2.0 m, 0°, 40°) areapproximated from the two known locations. These approximated HRTFs areprovided to convolve sound to localize at the desired coordinatelocation (2.0 m, 0°, 40°).

Sound is convolved either directly in the time domain with a finiteimpulse response (FIR) filter or with a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT).For example, an electronic device convolves the sound to one or moreSLPs using a set of HRTFs, HRIRs, BRIRs, or RIRs and provides the personwith binaural sound.

In an example embodiment, convolution involves an audio input signal andone or more impulse responses of a sound originating from variouspositions with respect to the listener. The input signal is a limitedlength audio signal (such as a pre-recorded digital audio file or soundclip) or an ongoing audio signal (such as sound from a microphone orstreaming audio over the Internet from a continuous source). The impulseresponses are a set of HRIRs, BRIRs, RIRs, etc.

Convolution applies one or more FIR filters to the input signals andconvolves the input signals into binaural audio output or binauralstereo tracks. For example, the input signals are convolved intobinaural audio output that is specific or individualized for thelistener based on one or more of the impulse responses to the listener.

The FIR filters are derived binaural impulse responses. Alternatively,or additionally, the FIR filters are obtained from another source, suchas generated from a computer simulation or estimation, generated from adummy head, retrieved from storage, computed based on known impulseresponses captured from people, etc. Further, convolution of an inputsignal into binaural output can include sound with one or more ofreverberation, single echoes, frequency coloring, and spatialimpression.

Processing of the sound also includes calculating and/or adjusting aninteraural time difference (ITD), an interaural level difference (ILD),and/or other aspects of the sound in order to alter the cues andartificially alter the point of localization.

Consider an example in which the ITD is calculated for a location (θ, ϕ)with discrete Fourier transforms (DFTs) calculated for the left andright ears. The ITD is located at the point for which the functionattains its maximum value, known as the argument of the maximum or argmax as follows:

${ITD} = {\arg{\max(\tau)}{\sum\limits_{n}{{d_{I,\theta,\phi}(n)} \cdot {{d_{r,\theta,\phi}\left( {n + \tau} \right)}.}}}}$

Subsequent sounds are filtered with the left HRTF, right HRTF, and/orITD so that the sound localizes at (r, θ, ϕ). Such sounds includefiltering stereo and monaural sound to localize at (r, θ, ϕ). Forexample, given an input signal as a monaural sound signal s(n), thissound is convolved to appear at (θ, ϕ) when the left ear is presentedwith:

s _(l)(n)=s(n−ITD)·d _(l,θ,ϕ)(n);

and the right ear is presented with:

s _(r)(n)=S(n)·d _(r,θ,ϕ)(n).

Consider an example in which a dedicated digital signal processor (DSP)executes frequency domain processing to generate real-time convolutionof monophonic sound to binaural sound.

By way of example, a continuous audio input signal x(t) is convolvedwith a linear filter of an impulse response h(t) to generate an outputsignal y(t) as follows:

${y(\tau)} = {{{x(\tau)} \cdot {h(\tau)}} = {\int\limits_{0}^{\infty}{{x\left( {\tau - t} \right)} \cdot {h(t)} \cdot {{dt}.}}}}$

This reduces to a summation when the impulse response has a given lengthN and the input signal and the impulse response are sampled at t=iDt asfollows:

${y(i)} = {\sum\limits_{j = 0}^{N - 1}{{x\left( {i - j} \right)} \cdot {{h(j)}.}}}$

Execution time of convolution further reduces with a Fast FourierTransform (FFT) algorithm and/or Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT)algorithm.

Consider another example of binaural synthesis in which recorded orsynthesized sound is filtered with a binaural impulse response (e.g.,HRIR or BRIR) to generate a binaural output sound to the person. Theinput sound is preprocessed to generate left and right audio streamsthat are mapped to one or more sound sources or sound localizationpoints (known as SLPs). These streams are convolved with a binauralimpulse response for the left ear and the right ear to generate the leftand right binaural output sound signal. The output sound signal isfurther processed depending on a final destination. For example, across-talk cancellation algorithm is applied to the output sound signalwhen it will be provided through loudspeakers or applying artificialbinaural reverberation to provide 3D spatial context to the sound.

The HRTFs can be generic HRTFs, customized HRTFs, or HRTFs that arecustomized to the listener. Customized HRTFs or HRTFs that arecustomized to the listener are specific to an anatomy of a particularlistener and are based on a size and/or shape of the head and/or ears ofthe listener. Customized HRTFs can be obtained from actual measurements(e.g., measuring HRIRs and/or BRIRs from a head of the user) or fromcomputational modeling (e.g., modeled from a photo of the user ormodeled from measurements or approximations of the listener, such as asize and/or shape of the listener's head or ears). Customized HRTFs arealso known as individualized HRTFs.

Generic HRTFs are not specific to an anatomy of the listener. GenericHRTFs can be obtained from actual measurements (e.g., measuring HRIRsand/or BRIRs from a head of the user or a dummy head) or fromcomputation modeling. Generic HRTFs can work for a large group of peoplesince these HRTFs are not customized or individualized to each person.These HRTFs are often stored in public databases and available to thegenerally public to use free of charge. One or more example embodimentsexpedite playing of sound to a user by prefetching, decrypting, and/orcaching the sound before the sound is played to the listener inaccordance with an example embodiment.

For example, an electronic device receives or obtains the sound fromlocal memory (e.g., memory on the electronic device), local storage(e.g., memory directly attached to the electronic device), remotestorage (e.g., memory accessed over the Ethernet or wireless network), aserver, a database, a data center, etc.

When sound is already convolved into binaural sound, this sound can beconverted back into mono or stereo sound or played as mono or stereosound. For example, the electronic device plays the sound through asingle speaker. As another example, the electronic device plays the samechannel through both speakers (e.g., play the left channel sound to boththe left and right speakers of the headphones or play the right channelsound to both the left and right speakers of the headphones). As anotherexample, the sound is filtered through cross-talk canceling filters.Filters, for example, can eliminate crosstalk and the HRTFs (e.g., byutilizing an inverse filter, such as a Nelson/Kirkeby inverse filter).

Another way to spatialize a digital asset is to convert or change thedigital asset into a 3D image, AR image, or a VR image. For example, anexample embodiment executes software from a cloud-converter or ARplatform to convert a 2D image, such as a JPEG or PNG image, into an ARfile, such as a WebAR file.

An example embodiment spatializes the digital asset with little or nointeraction from the user. For example, in response to an electronicdevice being commanded to spatialize a digital asset, the electronicdevice automatically initiates and executes blocks 510 and 520.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an automated process that tokenizes adigital asset and distributes and/or sells the tokenized digital assetat an electronic marketplace in accordance with an example embodiment.

Block 600 states receive a command to tokenize a digital asset.

An electronic device receives a command to tokenize a digital asset.Examples of the command include, but are not limited to, a spoken orverbal command from the user, a gesture command from the user, an eyecommand, a command from a portable electronic device (PED), a commandfrom a handheld portable electronic device (HPED), or a command orinstruct from a user interface of the electronic device. For example,the electronic device receives the command from another electronicdevice, such as from a server, a wearable electronic device with theuser, a portable electronic device (such as a smartphone in a hand ofthe user), a controller in a hand of the user, a smartwatch, or anotherelectronic device.

Consider an example in which a user clicks on or otherwise activates asingle button, icon, menu selection, or graphical representation thatinstructs the electronic device to initiate steps to tokenize a selecteddigital asset. As another example, the user selects or identifies adigital asset and issues a single voice command (e.g., “tokenize”), andthis command instructs one or more electronic devices to execute asequence of steps to tokenize the identified digital asset.

Block 610 states tokenize the digital asset in response to the command.

Tokenizing a digital asset includes transforming the data of the digitalasset into a random or meaningless string or sequence of characterscalled a token. The original data cannot be derived or guessed from thetoken because, unlike encryption, tokenization does not utilize a key,algorithm, or mathematical process to transform the data into anencrypted format. Instead, the token is a reference to the originaldata, as opposed to being an encrypted or mathematical version of theoriginal data. A database or token vault stores a relationship betweenthe data and the token, while the real or original data in the tokenvault is secured and encrypted. If the original data is subsequentlydesired, the token is submitted to the vault which fetches the originaldata.

Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are one type of cryptographic tokens on ablockchain that represent a unique digital asset. NFTs include uniqueinformation and are non-fungible or not mutually interchangeable.Although multiple NFTs can be minted or produced to represent a sameobject, NFTs differ from each other since they contain uniqueidentification codes and metadata. NFTs differ from fungible tokens,such as cryptocurrencies that are identical to each other.

NFTs are based on a blockchain, which is a digital ledger oftransactions duplicated and distributed across a network of computers.Each block in the blockchain includes a record of transactions.Specifically, each block includes a cryptographic hash of the previousblock, a timestamp, and transaction data. Each time a new transactionoccurs on the blockchain, the record for this transaction is added tothe ledger. As such, a blockchain is a decentralized, distributeddigital ledger in which records or blocks record transactions acrossmany computers. A single block in the chain cannot be alteredretroactively without altering all subsequent blocks since each blockincludes a hash of the previous block.

A blockchain can be managed with a peer-to-peer (P2P) network as adistributed ledger. Peers in this network follow a predeterminedprotocol for inter-node communication in order to validate the additionof a new block to the blockchain. Each node in the network includes acopy of the blockchain with no single copy being an official or trustedcopy over another copy. Transactions broadcast to the nodes in thenetwork with timestamps. The P2P network has no central point of failureand hence lacks a single point of attack from a hacker.

Blockchains provide security against corruption, hacking, or loss ofdata. The data in any given block cannot be altered without altering allthe blocks. In order for a hacker to corrupt a blockchain, the hackerwould have to alter each block in many copies of the chain that aredistributed across the blockchain network. If the hacker merely changedone or two blocks, this change would be readily apparent as the changedblocks would not correspond to multiple other copies of the blockdistributed across the network.

The electronic device, user, or software selects a blockchain on whichto issue the token for a digital asset. One or more electronic devicesexecute code to process and to tokenize the digital asset. The token canissue on one of various blockchains, such as Ethereum, Binance SmartChain, Flow, Tron, Cosmos, EOS, Pokadot, Tezos, et al.

An example embodiment creates a fungible or non-fungible token that iscompatible with an existing blockchain network. Consider an exampleembodiment that creates and releases the tokens on the Ethereumblockchain or uses ERC-20 Ethereum or the ERC-20 standard. Tokenscreated with ERC-20 have a compatible framework that makes theminteroperable with each other and compatible with a common wallet.

Block 620 states receive a command to distribute and/or sell thetokenized digital asset.

An electronic device receives a command to distribute and/or to sell thetokenized digital asset from one or more of the user, another electronicdevice, a user interface, software, or a software application. Examplesof the command include, but are not limited to, a spoken or verbalcommand from the user, a gesture command from the user, or a command orinstruct from a user interface of the electronic device. The electronicdevice can also receive the command from another electronic device, suchas from a server, a wearable electronic device with the user, a portableelectronic device (such as a smartphone in a hand of the user), oranother electronic device.

Block 630 states distribute and/or sell the tokenized digital asset inresponse to the command.

In an example embodiment, an electronic device, software application,user agent, intelligent personal assistant, or user selects a digitalwallet for the token. Digital wallets or electronic wallets (e-wallets)provide various services that enable a user to store and to manage thetokens or cryptocurrencies. For example, the wallet provides a platformfor transferring tokens and cryptocurrencies and converting them intodifferent currencies, such as converting bitcoin or ether into USdollars.

An example embodiment tokenizes the digital asset, establishes a digitalwallet, and sets up a wallet account for the user with little or nointeraction from the user. For example, in response to an electronicdevice being commanded to tokenize a digital asset, the electronicdevice automatically initiates and executes blocks 610, 620, and 630.

For instance, the electronic device of the user transmits an emailaddress and password to a wallet service, such as Blockchain wallet,Ethereum wallet, MetaMask, et al. If the wallet service requests orrequires verification information, the electronic device transmits thisinformation on behalf of the user to the wallet service. Once the walletaccount is confirmed or established, the electronic device stores theuser's wallet identification and website of the digital wallet. Further,if a mobile application is available for accessing the digital wallet,the electronic device downloads and installs this application for theuser. For instance, a software application or user agent performs thesetasks on behalf of the user.

In an example embodiment, an electronic device, software application, oruser agent selects an electronic marketplace to offer and/or to sell thetoken.

Electronic marketplaces provide online platforms where users can buy,sell, and trade digital or cryptographic assets on a blockchain, such astokens.

Transactions on a blockchain execute through a smart contract. A smartcontract is a type of self-executing contract in which the terms andconditions of the transaction or agreement between the buyer and sellerare written into lines of code. The code and accompanying agreement aredecentralized and distributed in the blockchain network.

An example embodiment selects an electronic marketplace and transmitsthe tokens and related information to list the tokens for sale at theelectronic marketplace. For example, the electronic device of the userselects an electronic marketplace (e.g., OpenSea or anothere-marketplace) and transmits information to open an account and/or userprofile on behalf of the user. For instance, the electronic device linksinformation of the digital wallet to the electronic marketplace to setupand establish an account for the user.

FIG. 7 is a method to play spatial audio with sound localizationinformation (SLI) stored on the blockchain and/or smart contracts inaccordance with an example embodiment.

Block 700 states store sound localization information (SLI) for thetokenized digital asset on the blockchain and/or one or more smartcontracts.

In an example embodiment, the SLI includes generic HRTFs, customizedHRTFs, interaural time delays (ITDs), interaural level differences(ITDs), and other information to generate spatial audio. The SLI canalso include physical attributes of an owner, such as shape and/or sizeof head, eye distance, shape of ear, etc.

Customized HRTFs or HRTFs that are customized to the listener arespecific to an anatomy of a particular listener and are based on a sizeand/or shape of one or more physical attributes, such head size, earshape, eye distance, distance between ears, etc. Customized HRTFs can beobtained from actual measurements of a listener or from computationalmodeling (e.g., modeled from a photo of the user or modeled frommeasurements or approximations of the listener, such as a size and/orshape of the listener's head or ears). Customized HRTFs are also knownas individualized HRTFs.

Generic HRTFs are not specific to an anatomy of the listener. GenericHRTFs can be obtained from actual measurements (e.g., measuring HRIRsand/or BRIRs from a head of the user or a dummy head) or fromcomputation modeling. Generic HRTFs can work for a large group of peoplesince these HRTFs are not customized or individualized to each person.These HRTFs are often stored in public databases and available to thegenerally public to use free of charge.

Block 710 states receive a request to play sound of the tokenizeddigital asset.

For example, an electronic device receives a request to play or to viewa tokenized digital asset that includes sound. The request can be fromone or more of an electronic device, a user, a sensor, software, anapplication, a user agent, or hardware. For instance, a user navigatesto an electronic marketplace to view a tokenized digital asset andinitiates a request to play and/or to hear sound of the digital asset.As another example, a user interacts with an electronic device or userinterface and requests to play, to view, and/or to hear sound of atokenized digital asset. As another example, a sensor detects activityof a user, and this activity initiates playing of the sound. As anotherexample, a user plays an AR or VR game and takes an action duringgameplay that causes the game and/or software executing the game torequest the sound to play. As another example, a user watches a sportingevent, and a server receives a request to play tokenized spatial audioto the user watching the sporting event.

Block 720 makes a determination as to whether user-specific orcustomized sound localization information (SLI) exists.

If the answer to this determination is “no” then flow proceeds to block730 that states play sound of the tokenized digital asset with SLIstored on the blockchain and/or smart contract.

If the answer to this determination is “yes” then flow proceeds to block740 that states play sound with user-specific SLI.

Block 750 states store the user-specific SLI on the blockchain and/orsmart contract.

Consider an example embodiment in which a tokenized digital assetincludes sound that plays as spatial audio, 3D audio, or binaural sound.This spatial audio plays to a listener with generic HRTFs or customizedHRTFs. These examples include processing the sound with generic HRTFsand storing this sound, processing the sound with customized HRTFs andstoring this sound, storing the generic HRTFs and processing the soundwith the generic HRTFs in real-time (e.g., when a request is made tohear the sound), and/or storing the customized HRTFs and processing thesound with the customized HRTFs in real-time (e.g., when a request ismade to hear the sound). An example embodiment stores the processedsound on the blockchain, in the smart contract, and/or with the digitalasset.

As a first example, Bob (user 1) activates a graphical representation ortakes another action that requests sound of a tokenized digital asset toplay.

Customized HRTFs are not known or stored for Bob. As such, sound of thetokenized digital asset plays to Bob as spatial audio convolved orprocessed with generic HRTFs.

As a second example, Ted (user 2) activates the graphical representationor takes another action that requests the sound of the tokenized digitalasset to play. Customized HRTFs are known for Ted (e.g., stored on theblockchain, smart contract, local memory of his electronic device,etc.). As such, sound of the tokenized digital asset plays to Ted asspatial audio convolved or processed with customized HRTFs. This sound(processed with the customized HRTFs for Ted) may be previously storedand ready to play upon receiving the request or processed in real-timein response to receiving the request.

If the sound is processed in real-time with the customized HRTFs, theprocessed sound can be stored on the blockchain, with smart contract, inlocal memory, with the digital asset, etc. For example, after processingthe sound with the customized HRTFs, an example embodiment thereafterstores the processed sound and/or customized HRTFs. This processexpedites playing of the sound upon receiving a subsequent request. Thisprocess also updates the record, such as updating transaction history orownership information on the blockchain to include customized HRTFs orcustomized spatial audio for Ted.

The blockchain includes a chain or sequence of blocks in a particularorder. Each block includes a data structure that stores a set oftransactions or records distributed to other nodes or peers in theblockchain network. In particular, each block includes a cryptographichash of the previous block, a timestamp, and transaction data. Thetransaction data can include one or more of the following: names and/oridentifying information of owners of the digital asset, names and/oridentifying information of restricted owners of the digital asset,restrictions and/or permissions to the digital asset, SLI (such as HRTFsfor an owner), and other information discussed herein. The transactiondata can also include information concerning the sale or transfer of thedigital asset.

FIG. 8A shows an electronic device 800 with a display 810 that displaysa tokenized digital asset 820 (shown for example as a dance video) inaccordance with an example embodiment.

The display 810 notifies the user to activate the tokenized digitalasset 820 in order to play the video. For example, the user interactswith the display or user interface to activate and to play the video orissues a voice command, a gesture command, a gaze or eye command, oranother command to activate and to play the video.

FIG. 8B shows an electronic device 800 with a display 810 that displaysa message 830 stating a tokenized digital asset includes a restriction840 in accordance with an example embodiment.

The display 810 includes information (such as an alert, a notice, text,graphics, etc.) that inform and/or notify the user of the restriction.This information can describe how the restriction applies to the digitalasset (e.g., how the sound, image, video, game, application, etc. isbeing restricted and what is the restriction).

By way of example, the restriction 840 executes such that the video willplay with no sound. If the user desires to play the video with sound andhence no restriction, then the user can buy the tokenized digital asset.The display includes a link 850 (click to buy full version) that whenactivated will automatically navigate the user to a website (e.g., anelectronic marketplace) where the user can purchase the tokenizeddigital asset and view the video without the restriction.

FIG. 9A shows an electronic device 900 with a display 910 displaying adigital asset 920 being captured with a camera 930 and options tospatialize 940 and/or tokenize 950 the digital asset in accordance withan example embodiment.

The display 910 shows a digital asset 920 being captured with the camera950. In this example, the digital asset is a video captured with thecamera. If the user desires to spatialize and/or tokenize the video, heor she can issue a command to the electronic device to do so. Forexample, the user activates the option spatialize 940 to spatialize thevideo and/or activates the option tokenize 950 to tokenize the video.These options include an icon, a button, a sticker, a VR image, an ARimage, a hologram, a virtual image, a hyperlink or link, text, or agraphical representation. Further, the user can issue other types ofcommands as discussed herein.

FIG. 9B shows an electronic device 900 with a display 910 displayingpictures and videos 960 and options to spatialize 940 and/or tokenize950 the pictures and/or videos in accordance with an example embodiment.

For example, the user takes pictures (shown as Pic-1, Pic-2, and Pic-3)and videos (shown as Vid-1, Vid-2, and Vid-3). The display 910 displaysthese pictures and videos 960. If the user desires to spatialize and/ortokenize one or more of these pictures and videos 960, he or she canissue a command to the electronic device to do so. For example, the userselects a picture or video and activates the option spatialize 940 tospatialize the selected picture or video and/or activates the optiontokenize 950 to tokenize the selected picture or video.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show a user interface that enables the user to readilyidentify or select a digital asset and then issue a single command tospatialize and/or to tokenize the selected digital asset.

FIG. 10 shows information in one or more layers of a blockchain 1000 inaccordance with an example embodiment.

An example architecture of the blockchain includes six layers: datalayer (data blocks, hash function, chain structure, Merkle Tree, andtimestamp), network layer (P2P network, transmission mechanism, andauthentication mechanism), consensus (Proof of Work, Proof of Stake, etal.) layer, incentive layer (release and allocation mechanisms),contract layer (script code, contract, et al.), and application layer(blockchain-based applications).

Blockchain 1000 includes one or more of the following information in thelayers: owner information 1020, SLI 1030, restrictions 1040, code tospatialize 1050, and code to tokenize 1060. The owner information 1020includes information about an owner of the digital asset and/or token.The SLI 1030 includes sound localization information (such as HRTFs) togenerate spatial audio for sound of the digital asset. As discussedherein, the HRTFs include generic HRTFs and user-specific or customizedHRTFs for a user (including an owner). The restrictions 1040 include theone or more restrictions associated with the digital asset, such as therestrictions discussed herein. The code to spatialize 1050 includes codeto spatialize the digital asset, such as methods to spatialize discussedherein with executable code. The code to tokenize 1060 includes code totokenize the digital asset, such as methods to tokenize discussed hereinwith executable code.

The information shown in FIG. 10 can be included in a smart contractassociated with the blockchain. Consider an example embodiment in whichcode to execute one or more blocks in FIGS. 1 and 4-7 occurs in thecontract layer of the blockchain.

A smart contract is a program written on top of the blockchain andincludes code that automatically executes by nodes in the blockchainnetwork to enforce the terms of the digital asset. The smart contractincludes programmatically-executed transactions (PETs) or computerscripts that execute when triggered by a particular message. Each nodein the blockchain network verifies the terms of the smart contract. Whenthe terms or rules of the smart contract are satisfied, the agreementexecutes or is enforced per the terms. For example, code of the smartcontract executes one or more blocks in FIGS. 1 and 4-7 .

Consider an example in which the data layer includes operationscomponents and journal components. The operations components govern howdata is created in new records, how records are modified, executioncode, and smart contracts. The journal components include the storedrecords.

FIG. 11 is an electronic device 1100 in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

The electronic device 1100 includes a processor or processing unit 1110,memory 1120, a display 1130, one or more interfaces 1140, a wirelesstransmitter/receiver 1150, head tracking 1160 (such as one or more of aninertial sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer), soundlocalization information (SLI) 1170, speakers 1180, one or moremicrophones 1190, gaze and/or eye tracker 1192, voice and/or gesturedetection 1194 (including a microphone and/or camera), one or moresensors 1196 (such as one or more of a proximity sensor, infraredsensor, and camera), hardware (HW) and software (SW) to spatialize adigital asset (DA) 1198 (such as one or more processors and executablecode to spatialize a digital asset as discussed herein), and hardware(HW) and software (SW) to tokenize a digital asset (DA) 1199 (such asone or more processors and executable code to tokenize a digital assetas discussed herein).

Memory 1120 includes computer readable medium (CRM) that stores codeand/or instructions to execute one or more example embodiments. Thememory also stores the blockchain and/or smart contracts.

Examples of an interface 1140 include, but are not limited to, a networkinterface, a graphical user interface, a natural language userinterface, a natural user interface, a phone control interface, areality user interface, a kinetic user interface, a touchless userinterface, an augmented reality user interface, and/or an interface thatcombines reality and virtuality.

The processor or processing unit 1110 includes a processor and/or adigital signal processor (DSP). For example, the processing unitincludes one or more of a central processing unit, CPU, digital signalprocessor (DSP), microprocessor, microcontrollers, field programmablegate arrays (FPGA), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC),etc. for controlling the overall operation of memory (such as randomaccess memory (RAM) for temporary data storage, read only memory (ROM)for permanent data storage, and firmware).

Consider an example embodiment in which the processing unit includesboth a processor and DSP that communicate with each other and memory andperform operations and tasks that implement one or more blocks of theflow diagram discussed herein. The memory, for example, storesapplications, data, programs, sound clips, algorithms (includingsoftware to implement or assist in implementing example embodiments) andother data.

For example, a processor or DSP executes a convolving or spatializationprocess with the retrieved HRTFs or HRIRs (or other transfer functionsor impulse responses) to process sound so that the sound is adjusted,placed, or localized for a listener away from but proximate to the headof the listener. For example, the DSP converts mono or stereo sound tobinaural sound so this binaural sound externally localizes to the user.The DSP can also receive binaural sound and move its localization point,add or remove impulse responses (such as RIRs), and perform otherfunctions.

For example, an electronic device or software program convolves,processes, and/or spatializes the sound captured at the microphones ofan electronic device and provides this spatialized sound to anelectronic marketplace for tokenization and/or to the listener so thelistener can localize the sound and hear it. The listener or other usershearing the sound can experience a resulting localization externally(such as at a sound localization point (SLP) associated with near fieldHRTFs and far field HRTFs) or internally (such as monaural sound orstereo sound).

The memory 1120 stores sound localization information that includes oneor more of HRTFs, HRIRs, BRTFs, BRIRs, RTFs, RIRs, or other transferfunctions and/or impulse responses for spatializing, processing, and/orconvolving sound. The memory can also store instructions for executingone or more example embodiments. Further, the memory can store thesound, graphical representations, and other information and instructionsdiscussed herein (e.g., tokenizing the digital asset). The memory canalso store coordinate locations and head movements used to determine thelocation of the binaural sound and the location for the visualindication of this sound on the display (e.g., a virtual image thatappears at a source of the binaural sound or spatial audio).

The electronic device 1100 provides sound to the users through one ormore speakers 1180. Alternatively, or in addition to the speakers, theelectronic device can communicate with headphones, earphones, earbuds,bone conduction devices, or another electronic device that providessound to the user.

The components shown in the electronic device 1100 can exist in a singleelectronic device or multiple electronic devices, such as somecomponents being in a WED or head mounted display (HMD) that wirelesslycommunicates with a smartphone and/or server.

FIG. 12 is an electronic or computer system 1200 in accordance with anexample embodiment.

The computer system 1200 includes an electronic marketplace 1210, adigital wallet 1220, a blockchain network 1230, and users withelectronic devices (ED) 1240 connected to or in communication with oneor more networks 1250.

The electronic marketplace 1210 offers for sale, trade, or distributiondigital assets in the form of tokens and/or NFTs 1260. The electronicmarketplace is an online marketplace or e-commerce website whereproducts and services are sold, such as tokens, NFTs, cryptocurrencies,and digital assets.

The digital wallet 1220 (also known as an e-wallet or electronic wallet)is an online service and/or software program that enables users to makeelectronic transactions with each other. Goods and services are boughtand sold with one or more digital currencies or cryptocurrencies, suchas Bitcoin or Ether.

The blockchain network 1230 includes a plurality of peers, nodes, orelectronic devices 1270A-1270D with each peer having a blockchain and/orsmart contract 1280A-1280D. The blockchain network 1230 includes and/oris in communication with a database or token vault 1280 that storesdigital assets, such as digital assets, tokens, and NFTs on theblockchain.

The blockchain network 1230 can include one or more blockchain networks,such as a private blockchain network, a public blockchain network, and aconsortium blockchain network.

The networks include one or more of a cellular network, a public switchtelephone network, the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide areanetwork (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a personal areanetwork (PAN), home area network (HAM), blockchain network(s), and otherpublic and/or private networks. Additionally, the electronic devicesneed not communicate with each other through a network. As one example,electronic devices couple together via one or more wires, such as adirect wired-connection. As another example, electronic devicescommunicate directly through a wireless protocol, such as Bluetooth,near field communication (NFC), or other wireless communicationprotocol.

By way of example, a computer and an electronic device (ED) include, butare not limited to, handheld portable electronic devices (HPEDs),wearable electronic glasses, electronic or smart watches, wearableelectronic devices (WEDs), smart earphones or hearables, electronicdevices with cellular or mobile phone capabilities or subscriberidentification module (SIM) cards, desktop computers, servers, portablecomputers (such as tablet and notebook computers), smartphones, headmounted displays (HMDs), optical head mounted displays (OHMDs),headphones, and other electronic devices with a processor or processingunit, a memory, and/or a DSP.

Example embodiments can be executed with one or more integrated circuitsthat are specifically customized, designed, or configured to execute oneor more blocks discussed herein. For example, the electronic devicesinclude a specialized or custom processor or microprocessor orsemiconductor intellectual property (SIP) core or digital signalprocessor (DSP) with a hardware architecture optimized for spatializingsound, tokenizing a digital asset, and executing one or more exampleembodiments (e.g., placing, executing, and managing restrictions ontokens).

Consider an example in which a customized or dedicated DSP executes oneor more blocks discussed herein (including processes, spatializes,and/or convolves sound into binaural sound. Such a DSP has a betterpower performance or power efficiency compared to a general-purposemicroprocessor and is more suitable for a HPED or WED due to powerconsumption constraints of the HPED or WED. The DSP can also include aspecialized hardware architecture, such as a special or specializedmemory architecture to simultaneously fetch or pre-fetch multiple dataand/or instructions concurrently to increase execution speed and soundprocessing efficiency and to quickly correct errors while soundexternally localizes to the user. By way of example, streaming sounddata (such as sound data in a telephone call or software gameapplication) is processed and convolved with a specialized memoryarchitecture (such as the Harvard architecture or the Modified vonNeumann architecture). The DSP can also provide a lower-cost solutioncompared to a general-purpose microprocessor that executes digitalsignal processing and convolving algorithms. The DSP can also providefunctions as an application processor or microcontroller. The DSP canalso prefetch sound clips and other sound from memory to expediteconvolution.

Consider an example in which a customized DSP includes one or morespecial instruction sets for multiply-accumulate operations (MACoperations), such as convolving with transfer functions and/or impulseresponses (such as HRTFs, HRIRs, BRIRs, et al.), executing Fast FourierTransforms (FFTs), executing finite impulse response (FIR) filtering,and executing instructions to increase parallelism.

In some example embodiments, the methods illustrated herein and data andinstructions associated therewith, are stored in respective storagedevices that are implemented as computer-readable and/ormachine-readable storage media, physical or tangible media, and/ornon-transitory storage media. These storage media include differentforms of memory including semiconductor memory devices such as DRAM, orSRAM, Erasable and Programmable Read-Only Memories (EPROMs),Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read-Only Memories (EEPROMs) andflash memories; magnetic disks such as fixed and removable disks; othermagnetic media including tape; optical media such as Compact Disks (CDs)or Digital Versatile Disks (DVDs). Note that the instructions of thesoftware discussed above can be provided on computer-readable ormachine-readable storage medium, or alternatively, can be provided onmultiple computer-readable or machine-readable storage media distributedin a large system having possibly plural nodes. Such computer-readableor machine-readable medium or media is (are) considered to be part of anarticle (or article of manufacture). An article or article ofmanufacture can refer to a manufactured single component or multiplecomponents.

Blocks and/or methods discussed herein can be executed and/or made by auser, a user agent (including machine learning agents and intelligentuser agents), a software application, an electronic device, a computer,firmware, hardware, a process, a computer system, and/or an intelligentpersonal assistant. Furthermore, blocks and/or methods discussed hereincan be executed automatically with or without instruction from a user.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A method comprising: determining a restriction fora digital asset that restricts how sound of the digital asset plays tonon-owners of the digital asset; storing the digital asset on ablockchain that stores the restriction how the sound of the digitalasset plays to the non-owners of the digital asset; and executing therestriction stored on the blockchain to play the sound of the digitalasset as one of mono sound or stereo sound to the non-owners of thedigital asset but playing the sound of the digital asset as binauralsound to owners of the digital asset.
 22. The method of claim 21 furthercomprising: executing the restriction stored on the blockchain toprohibit playing of the digital asset in augmented reality (AR) to thenon-owners of the digital asset but playing the digital asset in AR tothe owners of the digital asset.
 23. The method of claim 21 furthercomprising: executing the restriction stored on the blockchain to playvideo of the digital asset with two-dimensional (2D) images to thenon-owners of the digital asset but playing the video of the digitalasset with three-dimensional (3D) images to the owners of the digitalasset.
 24. The method of claim 21 further comprising: determining aperson is the owner of the digital asset; and executing the restrictionon the blockchain to play the binaural sound of the digital assetprocessed with customized head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) of theperson in response to determining the person is the owner of the digitalasset.
 25. The method of claim 21 further comprising: receiving, at awearable electronic device (WED) worn on a head of the owner of thedigital asset, an eye command; and spatializing the sound of the digitalasset into the binaural sound in response to receiving the eye commandfrom the owner of the digital asset.
 26. The method of claim 21 furthercomprising: receiving, at a wearable electronic device (WED) worn on ahead of the owner of the digital asset, a single click on a graphicalrepresentation; and tokenizing the digital asset into a non-fungibletoken (NFT) on the blockchain in response to receiving the single clickon the graphical representation.
 27. The method of claim 21 furthercomprising: tokenizing the digital asset as a non-fungible token (NFT)on the blockchain that stores the restriction that prohibits playing ofa video of the digital asset to the non-owners of the NFT in augmentedreality (AR) or virtual reality (VR).
 28. The method of claim 21 furthercomprising: tokenizing the digital asset on the blockchain that storesthe restriction that restricts the non-owners of the digital asset fromviewing the digital asset in augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality(VR).
 29. A method comprising: tokenizing, with one or more electronicdevices, a digital asset with sound as a non-fungible token (NFT) on ablockchain that stores a restriction that prevents non-owners of the NFTfrom hearing the sound of the digital asset as binaural sound but allowsowners of the NFT to hear the sound as the binaural sound.
 30. Themethod of claim 29 further comprising: executing the restriction thatallows the binaural sound processed with customized head-relatedtransfer functions (HRTFs) to play to the owners of the NFT but preventsthe non-owners of the NFT from hearing the sound processed with thecustomized HRTFs.
 31. The method of claim 29 further comprising:executing the restriction that prohibits playing of images in thedigital asset to the non-owners of the NFT as augmented reality (AR)images or virtual reality (VR) images.
 32. The method of claim 29further comprising: playing, in response to executing the restriction,the digital asset to the owners of the NFT with augmented reality (AR)images or virtual reality (VR) images; and prohibiting, in response toexecuting the restriction, playing of the digital asset to thenon-owners of the NFT with the AR images or the VR images.
 33. Themethod of claim 29 further comprising: receiving, at an electronicdevice and from one of the non-owners of the NFT, a request to play thevideo with the sound; and displaying, with the electronic device, anotice that describes the restriction that prevents the one of thenon-owners of the NFT from hearing the sound of the video.
 34. Themethod of claim 29 further comprising: storing, in the blockchain,customized head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) that are processedwith the sound in the digital asset to provide the sound as the binauralsound played to the owners of the NFT but not to the non-owners of theNFT.
 35. The method of claim 29 further comprising: storing, in a smartcontract on the blockchain, the restriction as executable code thatprevents the non-owners of the NFT from hearing the sound of the digitalasset as the binaural sound and viewing the digital asset in augmentedreality (AR) or virtual reality (VR).
 36. An electronic devicecomprising: a user interface that displays a restriction that restrictshow sound of a non-fungible token (NFT) plays to owners of the NFT andnon-owners of the NFT; and a processor that executes code to store theNFT on a blockchain that includes the restriction how the sound of theNFT plays to the owners of the NFT and the non-owners of the NFT,wherein the restriction executes to play the sound of the NFT asbinaural sound to the owners of the NFT but prevents the non-owners ofthe NFT from hearing the sound in the binaural sound.
 37. The electronicdevice of claim 36, wherein the restriction includes code that executesand allows the owners of the NFT to view the NFT in augmented reality(AR) or virtual reality (VR) but prevents the non-owners of the NFT fromviewing the NFT in AR or VR.
 38. The electronic device of claim 36,wherein the processor executes the code to store customized head-relatedtransfer functions (HRTFs) on the blockchain, wherein the customizedHRTFs process with the sound of the NFT to generate the binaural soundplayed to owners of the NFT but not to the non-owners of the NFT. 39.The electronic device of claim 36, wherein the processor executes thecode to store the restriction that executes and plays images of the NFTin augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) to owners of the NFTbut prohibits playing of the images of the NFT in the AR or the VR tothe non-owners of the NFT.
 40. The electronic device of claim 36,wherein the user interface receives an eye command from a user of theelectronic device, and the processor executes code to spatialize thesound of the NFT into the binaural sound in response to the userinterface receiving the eye command from the user.